Online Library of Selected Images:
-- U.S. NAVY SHIPS --

USS SC-353 (1918-1936)

USS SC-353, a 110-foot SC-1 class submarine chaser
built at College Point, New York, was commissioned in March 1918.
In October 1918, following initial service along the U.S. East
Coast, she voyaged across the Atlantic to begin operations in
the waters between the Azores and Europe. SC-353 returned
to the U.S. sometime after the November 1918 Armistice. In mid-1920
she received the hull number PC-353, but kept the name Submarine
Chaser 353 (generally shortened to S.C. 353). Out of
commission after June 1920, she was briefly put up for sale in
mid-1922 but later in that year went back into service for surveying
duty in Cuban waters, operating with USS Hannibal
(AG-1). USS S.C. 353 was stricken from the Navy list
in August 1935 and sold in March 1936.

"Falling in formation to be towed", seen from USS Hannibal
(AG-1) during the 1920s. The two submarine chasers worked with
Hannibal on survey operations in Cuban waters.
Tug in the left background is USS Nausett (YT-35).

Alongside a dock at Key West, Florida, during the 1920s. USS
Hannibal (AG-1) is partially visible in the background.
Note navigation buoy on the dock.
The two submarine chasers were then working with Hannibal
on survey operations in Cuban waters.

In an Azores harbor with other ships of the U.S. and foreign
navies, circa October 1918.
The six subchasers in the left center of the view, with bows
to the camera, are (from left to right): SC-223, SC-330,
SC-180, SC-353, SC-331 and (probably) SC-356.
Ships nested with them, to the right, include a "bird"
type minesweeper and two converted yacht patrol vessels.

Collection of George K. Beach, who was a crewmember of USS SC-331
at the time.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 54KB; 740 x 430 pixels

Photo #: NH 99721

USS SC-353

Standing by a damaged Aeromarine 40 flying boat (Bureau # A-5066)
in the Gulf of Bacabano, Cuba, 25 May 1923. A boat from USS Hannibal
(AG-1) is also present.
This aircraft was assigned to assist Hannibal in survey
work in Cuban waters. It had hit something on the water or broken
a hole in its hull by hitting a wave. The accident left the plane's
wings and hull unfit for further use and it was subsequently
stricken from the list of Navy aircraft. Pilot was Lieutenant
(Junior Grade) John H. Hykes, USN.

In the Caribbean area during the early 1920s, with two submarine
chasers and a barge alongside.
Outboard subchaser is USS SC-353 and the other is probably
USS SC-223. Both worked with Hannibal on survey
work.